To my Twenties

Dear Twenties,

As I write this,my heart swells with gratitude for all that is and even for things that aren't.I still remember my 20-something self as I enter a world lined with unknowns and fears and"How-did-I -end-up here's" but somehow through it all (mostly with God's grace,I believe),you made it a memorable decade.Ive spent the last ten years running in fast circles around the world---laughing,sobbing,crying,striving and bouncing.You taught me so much about myself,my relationships and what I really want in life.I want to modify a line from Meredith Grey,
"There are certain moments in my twenties that I wish I could relive." Relive it in a way of going down a memory lane as I thank all the people who put  all the colors of this decade.

It is a winding career roller coaster in my twenties.My first job taught me not to take things personally but professionally.Made me tougher, and prepared me well to face a bigger scarier world.There was one point in time that I thought I wasn't made to work in the lab but to be a teacher.I ventured the challenging feat of being an OFW.Needless to say,a sweaty grip to the career ladder.It taught me a whirlwind of lessons.Lessons on how to adult,how to trust a few and it is  attitude and hardwork and not just"talino" that will take you far in life.

        

Its been a memorable decade.A ten year quest not  just to  find fulfillment but yes--also a good time..I wouldn't make it through without a handful of true friends  who picked me up when I hit rock bottom and celebrate my milestones with.You taught me how to keep friendships strong..I made new friends,lost touch with old ones and still have a circle that I'll stick for life.This will take the biggest space as I thank these bunch of people who made my twenties the best decade yet.The ones who will drop everything just to meet you when you  had that biggest break-up in your life.The ones who stood by you on your wedding day.And the ones who show up with a fully cooked meal after you've given birth..I love these bunch right here.

You taught me to fall in love for good and stay in love no matter what.Twenties,you gave me the bestfriend and best critic rolled as my husband.You taught me what true love really means..Thank you for giving Mark.Someone to grow old with ,makes parenthood looks easier and

hands to hold as we face all the storms together.Even if we screaaam at each other at times!LOL!Mark will always be my person. My Cristina Yang and my Alex Karev!Oh wait he is  also my McDreamy and McSteamy!

Twenties,you  made me a mom!The best thing that ever happened to me in this decade.I never thought I am capable of giving this kind of love.Selfless,unconditional.It challenges me to be a better person because somebody's looking up to me.It has completed me in ways I didn't know I needed to feel complete.

And of course,through it all I always had my constant.When everything else fails,I always have my family to come home to ,to cry as loud as I can everytime I feel like a failure,to share photos with across the miles.A family that keeps me grounded,gives me reasons to dream big and to whom I owe where I am now in life.

Twenties,you took me to beautiful places and fed my wanderlust..

Nothing short of amazing adventures and misadventures.

 Twenties, you were epic!I learned a lot from you!You know that I had a fair share of downfalls,rainy days,fake friends&rolling  over the punches but you put all of these in 10years.Isn't that something to be grateful for?Thank youuu!Its been an amazing decade!30 used to sound super old but life just keeps getting better with age!At 30,I pray for good health,pure bliss and a heart that is  always willing to help.So here I am,raising my glass as I sing my favorite lines from Maroon 5..

Here's to the ones that we got

Cheers to the wish you were here, but you're not

'Cause the drinks bring back all the memories!

Of everything we've been through

Toast to the ones here today

Toast to the ones that we lost on the way

'Cause the drinks bring back all the memories

And the memories bring back, memories bring back you!

Thank you twenties!

Full of love,

Thirty-year old  Karissa

Letter 2

06/03/20 02:24AM

 

 

 

My Dearest Chase,

 

 

You are sleeping before I get up and write this.I feel bad after scrolling over my feed so the best thing I can think of is to write you a letter.Well,you are sleeping straight on nights already.If not you will just have your milkie with daddy(Yes, you prefer dada more than me!) and sleep back again after rolling over a few rounds or after I hele you with my paulit ulit playlist.Maroon 5 ang playlist ni Mama this week so bear with me!Gone are the nights that we struggle putting you to sleep.I don't miss it but I miss that little baby on my arms,just staring at me wide-eyed.Since the pandemic is on the rise, we mostly stay at home.But its a beautiful afternoon so we strolled around the park for a breath of fresh air..You love to ride your little red car from Ate Dani and look after every car that passes by.Looks like you also have that fascination with cars like your dad.For now,we will enjoy pushing you on your fancy red car,and watch you wonder on every thing that catches your eyes.Your dada told me, he will train you to ride your bike when you turn 2.Funny,but I don't know how to ride one! I think I need to learn with you!I will wait!That sounds fun,aint it?

 

 

 

 Oh,you love to climb like a cute little monkey,too!Your hobby these days is climbing our couch and and  get on like a rock climber on the railings of your crib.You give me mini heart attacks sometimes!You might look  payatot but you have strong legs and arms.Strong as your determination to cross over!

Good try!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your two little sprouting teeth and cute little dimple on you cheek make your smile even sweeter.Dada recorded one video of you where you cracked up when he barked like a dog.I was at work when he sent it and you instantly changed my mood and found myself laughing out with you!I love it when you giggle and laugh(like me!),I can truly say hay anak nga kita,napapatawa tayo ng tatay mo!(kahit annoying sya sometimes,lol!)

Life is better when you came!I love you so much my Chase!In this chaotic world,I still  look forward on better days because of you!I write this with a prayer na sana sooner the world heals as all lives matter!I pray too that we stop shaming each other.Educate,rather!Social media is toxic nowadays anak,thank you at nandyan ka!Thank you for giving us innocent stare of wonder,the sweetest smile in the world(for me!!!)& your curiosity on every little thing! Cant wait for all the amazing things you will let us experience with you!

 

Lots of Love,

Mama